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section7mfuI was watching Illya from the dance floor where I was doing what I thought was a respectable Monkey with Mandy from Translations. I saw him politely, but firmly turn down several offers to dance, leaving several very disappointed women in his wake. He made small talk as people approached him, but barely slowed down until he found a table at the very edge of the party.
I didn’t want people to feel miffed, so I pushed the Solo Charm into maximum overdrive. Every woman I danced with I thanked profusely on my partner’s behalf for helping to plan and/or participating in Illya’s party. I smoothed a lot of ruffled feathers. Yes, he loved the food, of course he appreciates the effort, he’s just feeling a little overwhelmed by this outpouring of affection. I almost started to believe it myself. Almost.
Something was bothering him and it was more than just having a party thrown for him that he had said he didn’t want. From the moment he had walked into the gym, his mood had changed. He wasn’t angry, it was more like he was…sad. Tovarisch, what’s wrong? I thought at him. I was willing him to look in my direction and he actually did. I signaled him What’s wrong? and he gave his head a slight shake that only I could see and averted his eyes. I went to where April and Mark were dancing and asked, “Mind if I cut in?”
Mark said, “I don’t mind. I’ll get us some drinks, Luv.”
April began to do her best Jerk when I took hold of her hands and placed one on my back and held the other and began to lead her in a sultry Salsa. “Did Illya say anything to you about…anything?”
Her red hair flipped as she shook her head no. “I was actually going to ask you the same question, Darling. He seems distracted and dejected, somehow. I almost want to cry.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve been doing my best to deflect attention from him, not an easy task since it’s his party. It’s a good thing the food and the music’s so good; some people I’m sure aren’t even focused on him.”
“Napoleon Darling, I think you’re right. Look, everyone’s grabbing leftovers to take back to their offices. It’s a good thing this was a lunchtime event. Mark and I have a meeting with Accounting this afternoon. Apparently, Mark and I have to explain why we ruined two cars and three hotel rooms during our last affair. Are you going to ask Illya about his mood?”
“Of course, I am,” I answered before I kissed her cheek and released her. “Good luck with Accounting.” I watched her rejoin her partner before they exited the gym. Others were leaving too and I watched as people made a point of stopping first to wish Illya well. I waited until only the janitorial staff was left cleaning before I approached him. “Illya? Are you heading back to the lab?”
He nodded and then seemed to decide a verbal answer was better. “Yes. I will probably be there the rest of the day.”
“I thought so. Listen. Dinner. My place. Seven sharp.” I held up my right index finger when he opened his mouth. “I’m not accepting ‘no’ for an answer.” To his credit, he shrugged and left. I knew he’d come. “Hey!” I yelled at the cleaners, “I’m taking one of those honey cakes! Don’t you dare cut it!”
I didn’t want people to feel miffed, so I pushed the Solo Charm into maximum overdrive. Every woman I danced with I thanked profusely on my partner’s behalf for helping to plan and/or participating in Illya’s party. I smoothed a lot of ruffled feathers. Yes, he loved the food, of course he appreciates the effort, he’s just feeling a little overwhelmed by this outpouring of affection. I almost started to believe it myself. Almost.
Something was bothering him and it was more than just having a party thrown for him that he had said he didn’t want. From the moment he had walked into the gym, his mood had changed. He wasn’t angry, it was more like he was…sad. Tovarisch, what’s wrong? I thought at him. I was willing him to look in my direction and he actually did. I signaled him What’s wrong? and he gave his head a slight shake that only I could see and averted his eyes. I went to where April and Mark were dancing and asked, “Mind if I cut in?”
Mark said, “I don’t mind. I’ll get us some drinks, Luv.”
April began to do her best Jerk when I took hold of her hands and placed one on my back and held the other and began to lead her in a sultry Salsa. “Did Illya say anything to you about…anything?”
Her red hair flipped as she shook her head no. “I was actually going to ask you the same question, Darling. He seems distracted and dejected, somehow. I almost want to cry.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve been doing my best to deflect attention from him, not an easy task since it’s his party. It’s a good thing the food and the music’s so good; some people I’m sure aren’t even focused on him.”
“Napoleon Darling, I think you’re right. Look, everyone’s grabbing leftovers to take back to their offices. It’s a good thing this was a lunchtime event. Mark and I have a meeting with Accounting this afternoon. Apparently, Mark and I have to explain why we ruined two cars and three hotel rooms during our last affair. Are you going to ask Illya about his mood?”
“Of course, I am,” I answered before I kissed her cheek and released her. “Good luck with Accounting.” I watched her rejoin her partner before they exited the gym. Others were leaving too and I watched as people made a point of stopping first to wish Illya well. I waited until only the janitorial staff was left cleaning before I approached him. “Illya? Are you heading back to the lab?”
He nodded and then seemed to decide a verbal answer was better. “Yes. I will probably be there the rest of the day.”
“I thought so. Listen. Dinner. My place. Seven sharp.” I held up my right index finger when he opened his mouth. “I’m not accepting ‘no’ for an answer.” To his credit, he shrugged and left. I knew he’d come. “Hey!” I yelled at the cleaners, “I’m taking one of those honey cakes! Don’t you dare cut it!”
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Date: 2016-09-19 11:18 pm (UTC)